Partners & Affiliates News – June 2018
82nd Street Partnership
37-06 82nd Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Executive Director: Leslie Ramos
718.335.9421
82ndstreet.org
QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $224,000 with more than 200 businesses under its umbrella. The district is on 82nd Street from 37th Avenue to Baxter Avenue. The board meets quarterly with the annual meeting in June.
Currently Leslie Ramos is concerned with what she says is the city’s lack of understanding of the needs and concerns of small business owners. In mid-March, the city eliminated parking on Roosevelt Avenue between Broadway and 90th Street between 7 and 10 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. for a six-month pilot program aimed at mitigating traffic and congestion.
There are free immigration services every Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 71-29 Roosevelt Avenue. All services are free, confidential and open to any member of the community. Some of the services include DACA, TPS and document replacement and renewal. Call (212) 652-2071 with any questions.
Bayside Village BID
213-33 39th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11361
Interim Executive Director: Chrisstine Siletti.718.423.2434
[email protected]
QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $218,000 and over 350 members.
Founded in 2007, the BID includes commercial property owners and residents on Bell Boulevard between 35th Avenue and Northern Boulevard, as well as a block east and west on 41st Avenue.
The Bell Boulevard Food and Music Festival is on Sunday, June 3. Over 30 restaurants will be participating from 43rd to 48th street. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased atbaysidevillagebid.com or on eventbrite. Other events for the day include free salsa dancing lessons, beach volley ball, and story time for children at 1 p.m.
Business Center for New Americans (BCNA)
78-27 37 Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Manager of Business Development: Tshering D. Gurung
347.730.6468
[email protected]
QUICK GLANCE: Since 1997, BCNA has been serving New York City entrepreneurs.
BCNA is an approved Small Business Administration Intermediary Lender and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). BCNA’s Microloan program is the cornerstone of its services. They provide small business loans and microloans to business owners who are not able to obtain loans from traditional lenders.
Loans range from $500 to $50,000 with terms up to three years. Loan officers help clients with creating business plan and financial statements, and offer credit counseling to help clients understand, improve and repair credit. They offer workshops on small business management, social media, credit building and home ownership.
Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 751123, Forest Hills, NY 11375
President: Leslie Brown
718.268.6565
[email protected]
[email protected]
QUICK GLANCE: Re-formed in 1995, the group has over 225 members.
Chamber meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. at the West Side Tennis Club, 1 Tennis Place, in Forest Hills.
The next event on the Chamber’s calendar is the Forest Hills Festival on Sunday, June 10.
Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce
39-01 Main Street, Suite 511, Flushing NY 11354
Executive Director: John Choe
[email protected]
646.783.8985
flushingchamber.nyc
QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 2014 and representing over 200 businesses.
Litter in the area is rampant, and the chamber is making it a priority. The chamber is partnering with the city for locations for up to 50 new garbage cans in Downtown Flushing.
A free Business Marketing Workshops with the Department of Small Business Services, Mastering Marketing (Session 1), will take place on Monday, June 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the chamber offices. This series of workshops are designed to be helpful to start-ups and expanding businesses bringing a new product to the marketplace. For more information visit nycruns.com.
The Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce, Asian Americans for Equality and the city’s Department of Small Business Services (SBS) will host the three-day expo from June 15 to 17 at Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel.
Greater Jamaica Development Corporation
90-04 161st Street, Jamaica, NY 11432
President: Hope Knight
718.291.0282
gjdc.org
QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1967, the group has 75 members.
GJDC’s work expands economic opportunity and improves quality of life for the ethnically and economically diverse residents of Jamaica and for the region at large, which benefits from rational, well-planned, and sustainable metropolitan growth.
Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation – Woodhaven BID
84-01 Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven NY 11421
718.805.0202
[email protected]
woodhavenbid.com
QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $257,000 with more than 350 businesses under its umbrella.
On Jamaica Avenue from Dexter Court to 100th Street, the BID features six supermarkets. They are providing free benches for store owners along Jamaica Avenue. They also provide 2.5 and 5 percent home improvement loans.
Jamaica Center BID
161-10 Jamaica Avenue, Suite 419
Jamaica, NY 11432
718.526.2422
jamaica.nyc
@JamaicaAvenue
QUICK GLANCE: Budget of over $1 million.
Founded in 1979, the district includes 300 stores on Jamaica Avenue between Sutphin Boulevard and 160th Street in Jamaica. They offer a value card and support business owners in their expansions and openings.
Valerie Stevens is director of Business Services and Operations, supporting member businesses in their marketing efforts. Stevens has been focusing on social media to assist with branding and expansion. The BID is currently looking for a sponsor for their banners and trash can program along Jamaica Avenue.
The BID is helping to promote the York College Summer Camp. There are two schedules offered, both which includes breakfast and lunch. They are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. More info at [email protected].
The 7th Annual Jamaica Just My Style Fashion Event will take place on Friday, June 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. After six years of success, The Jamaica Center BID’s One of a kind “Jamaica Just My Style” Fashion Event returns for a 7th year, showcasing trendsetting designer styles from popular businesses in the BID district: Danice, MadRag, Shoppers World, Telco, Jimmy Jazz Old Navy, GAP Outlet, Pretty Women with, Michi Knit Wear designs by Michele Walden Mcphee from Queens NY, Entertainment, from Queens local up and coming artists Destiny Johnson, Lite Bites, and guest host Roxanne Roxanne, Queens First Female Rap Star.
This event is part of the Jamaica Center BID’s ongoing effort to promote Downtown Jamaica as a fashion, arts, cultural and shopping destination. In its seventh year, the Jamaica “Just My Style” Fashion Event” will bring over 400 influencers and the community together to experience the positive and rich culture of Downtown Jamaica. The Event is free so register now on Eventbrite.
JFK International Airport Chamber of Commerce
616 Duke Street, Westbury, NY 11590
Executive Director: Mercedes Altman
516.492.0513
jfkairportchamberofcommerce.org
QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the group has over 200 members.
JFK Airport is the only airport in the country to have its own chamber of commerce wholly dedicated to the airport business community, which employs 35,000 people. The airport handles more than 50 million passengers a year, using almost a half-million square feet of warehouse space to handle more than a million tons of air freight cargo a year. Upcoming events include:
• June 7 – Long Island Import/Export Association Golf Outing at Wind Watch Golf and Country Club: 1715 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge NY
• June 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – JFK Chamber of Commerce Luncheon at Lawrence Country Club, 101 Causeway, Lawrence, NY Guest Speaker: Chief Commercial Officer of Laguardia Gateway Partners, Ed Baklor.
• June 13 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. – JFK Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors General Monthly Meeting at Port Authority Building 14
Long Island City Partnership
President: Elizabeth Lusskin
718.786.5300
longislandcityqueens.com
Founded in 1979, the Long Island City Partnership advocates for economic development that benefits LIC’s industrial, commercial, cultural and residential sectors. The goal is to attract new businesses to the neighborhood, retain those already here, welcome new residents and visitors, and promote a vibrant and authentic mixed-use community. The LIC Partnership operates the LIC Business Improvement District and the LIC Industrial Business Zone.
• Tuesday, June 19, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. – LIC Summit at Museum of the Moving Image 36-01 35th Avenue, Long Island City. Keynote Speaker: Martha Pollack, President of Cornell University. Join city, state, and locally elected government officials, along with business and civic leaders to discuss the changing landscape of Long Island City.
Maspeth Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 780265, Maspeth, NY 11378
President: David Daraio
718.335.1300
maspethchamberofcommerce.org
QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1953, they have 120 members and a budget of $115,000.
The next chamber meeting is on Tuesday, June 12, at noon at Connolly’s Corner, 71-15 Grand Avenue. The majority of their budget is spent on holiday lights, banners, beautification and festivals, including replacing the street banners on Grand Avenue. There has recently been a push to form a BID on Grand Avenue.
Maspeth Industrial Business Association (MIBA)
BOC: 96-11 40th Road, Corona, NY 11368
Coordinator: Quincy Ely-Cate
718.205.3773
[email protected]
mibanyc.org
QUICK GLANCE: Roughly 600 businesses with 30 active members.
The Maspeth Industrial Business Association, a project of the Business Outreach Center Network, provides a collective voice in advocating the needs and interests of industrial and manufacturing businesses in Maspeth. They help companies in the Maspeth Industrial District in developing workforce, accessing tax credits, obtaining financing, navigating government regulations and, in some cases, finding real estate.
• Thursday, June 7, at 8:30 a.m. – MIBA Meeting at Petro Home Services, 55-60 58 Street. The MIBA Breakfast is open to members and non-members alike. Meet and network with the manufacturers of Maspeth here. This session will feature representatives from DEP, who will talk about the Green Infrastructure Program. Also On Force Solar and Alive Structures will be reviewed. RSVP by emailing [email protected]
Middle Village Chamber of Commerce
79-47 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village, NY 11379
President: Salvatore Crifasi
718.894.8700
[email protected]
QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $8,000 with 35 businesses under its umbrella.
Formed in 1929. MVCC meets annually and focuses on the Metropolitan Avenue shopping district between 69 and 80th streets. Annual membership fee is $150, and they are looking to gain momentum through attracting new members. The mission is to improve the area and assist local businesses if they have any concerns or needs.
Myrtle Avenue BID
62-14 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385
Executive Director: Ted Renz
718.366.3806
QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $500,000 with over 300 retail and service businesses under its purview.
Board meetings are held four times a year with the annual meeting in June. The district includes Myrtle Avenue in Ridgewood between Fresh Pond Road and Wyckoff Avenue. Program support is provided by the Ridgewood LDC.
One of the longest running BIDs is also one of the more innovative in its approach to helping maintain an active business corridor by helping landlords rent vacant properties. The website ridgewood-ny.com shows properties that are currently for rent in the district. There are currently ten stores looking for tenants.
• June 14 to 17 – Father’s Day Sale Days on Myrtle Ave: June 14th to June 17th
• June 21 – Make Music NY. Come enjoy this citywide event at the 71st Avenue Plaza.
Queens Economic Development Corporation
12-55 Queens Boulevard, Room 309
Kew Gardens, NY 11424
Executive Director: Seth Bornstein
718.263.0546
queensny.org
QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $1.5 million and a resource for over 2,000 businesses in the borough of Queens.
Funded by Department of Small Business Services, they strive to create and retain jobs via programs that grow neighborhoods and assist small businesses. QEDC assists by providing one-on-one consultations, hosting workshops, operating training courses and networking events. Upcoming event include:
• June 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. – Meet Entrepreneurs That Have Grown Their Business with the Help of Financing at the Entrepreneur Space 36-46 37th Street Long Island City. Cost: Free
• June 6 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. – Packaging Essentials: How Your Product Looks is an Extension of Your Brand at the Entrepreneur Space 36-46 37th Street Long Island City. Cost: $45 per person.
• June 12 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. – Sales & Marketing Essentials 1: Engaging Your B2C Customer at The Entrepreneur Space 36-46 37th Street Long Island City. Cost: $45 per person.
• June 14 from 10:30 a.m. to Noon – Selling to the Government & 8(a), HUBZone and WOSB Certifications at The Entrepreneur Space 36-46 37th Street Long Island City. Cost: Free.
• June 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. – Sales & Marketing Essentials 2: Introducing Your Product B2B at The Entrepreneur Space 36-46 37th Street Long Island City. Cost: $45 per person.
• June 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Legal Clinic: free legal help for your business on Thursday, June 21st at 5:30PM to 7:30PM at The Entrepreneur Space 36-46 37th Street Long Island City. Cost: Free. To sign up, please contact us at 718-263-0546.
• June 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. – Exhibiting Essentials: There’s More to Showing Your Product Than Just Showing Up at The Entrepreneur Space 36-46 37th Street Long Island City. Cost: $45
Rockaway Business Alliance
[email protected]
QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $40,000 and a resource for over 200 businesses.
The Rockaway Business Alliance was founded in 2012 after Hurricane Sandy. RBA’s vision is to create business corridors that are clean, safe, and welcoming, with shopping, dining, attractions, and engagement for the local community and the visitors drawn to Rockaway’s beaches and open spaces. RBA seeks to create and curate an inviting atmosphere for all to enjoy year round.
Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation
1920 Mott Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691
President: Kevin Alexander
718.327.5300
rdrc.org
QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the group has 30 members.
Founded in 1978, the Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC) was established to promote the revitalization of the Rockaway’s economic base and neighborhoods by creating long-standing partnerships with city and state agencies. RDRC is governed by a twelve-member board of directors and a five-member merchant advisory board.
RDRC’s current city and state collaborations include the Downtown Far Rockaway Storefront Improvement Program, The Downtown Far Rockaway Public Wi-Fi Project, The Rockaway East Workforce Development Program and most recently, the planned $288,000,000 Downtown Far Rockaway Redevelopment Project.
With over 250 businesses and 61,000 or 53 percent of the Rockaway’s entire population living within 2 miles of downtown Far Rockaway, one of RDRC’s goals is to reduce the over $91 million in market leakage to neighboring downtown shopping districts.
To address this challenge, in 2014 RDRC rejuvenated the Rockaway East Merchants Association (REMA). Today with RDRC as its administrator, REMA membership now includes 40-plus local businesses with an active calendar of events that includes an annual merchant’s fair, talent show, fashion event, holiday tree lighting and live concerts.
REMA membership meetings are held on the fourth Monday of the month at 1 p.m. at RDRC, located at 1920 Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway.
Steinway Street BID
25-69 38th Street, Suite 1C, Astoria 11103
Executive Director: Marie Torniali
718.728.7820
[email protected]
steinwaystreet.org
QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1991, the BID has over 300 members.
Board meetings are held seven times a year. The BID’s vision is to make Steinway Street user friendly, while highlighting the local businesses on the street and bringing together the Astoria community in a positive way.
The BID works to improve sanitation, marketing, security, holiday lighting, beautification and Internet access along this famous street in Queens.
Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 4399, Sunnyside, NY 11104
President: Patricia Dorfman
718.729.4688
sunnyside-chamber.org
QUICK GLANCE: Annual budget of $55,000.
The chamber is an organization built around assisting and helping local business and professionals by providing resources to increase business, safety and historical preservation.
Sunnyside Shines
45-56 43rd Street, Sunnyside, NY 11104
Executive Director: Jaime-Faye Beam
718.606.1800
[email protected]
sunnysideshines.org
QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $480,000 with more than 250 businesses under its umbrella.
The BID is still looking for sponsors for Sunnyside Street Banners along Queens Boulevard and Greenpoint Avenue. There are still a number of locations still available, call the office for more info. Companies that are not located in Sunnyside are invited to participate as well. Sponsorships start at $350 and last for one year.
• June 5 from 4 to 7 pm. – Beats in Bliss Plaza with Sunnyside Ballet School. Crafts and giant games start at 4 p.m., with dance performance kicking off at 5 p.m.
• June 9 at 11 a.m. – Midsummer Moves with Zumba in Lowery Plaza
• June 12 from 4 to 7 pm. – Beats in Bliss Plaza with Os Clavelitos and the Queensboro Dance Festival
• June 16 at 11 a.m. – Midsummer Moves with Zumba in Lowery Plaza
• June 19 from 4 to 7 pm. – Beats in Bliss Plaza with Ranqueles
• June 23 at 11 a.m. – Midsummer Moves with Zumba in Lowery Plaza
• June 19 from 4 to 7 pm. – Beats in Bliss Plaza with the Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts
• June 30 at 11 a.m. – Midsummer Moves with Zumba in Lowery Plaza